South Korean designers are dipping their toes into the world of metafashion, with the government launching its first-ever digital wardrobe. 30 outfits are planned to be completed with model line-up being A-list actress Han Sun-hwa, singer Ravi, and model Jaesi. Read more here!
Three Korea coffee aficionados published a guidebook of 82 must-visit Korean cafes. The guidebook contains information on the cafes' locations, operating hours, signature items as well as stories of the people who built and nurtured the specialty coffee cafes. Read more here!
Coin singing rooms are smaller karaoke gatherings where you play for about 30 minutes compared to the hours spent at regular Korean karaoke. They are becoming ever popular with younger generations in the aftermath of COVID-19 regulation relaxation. Read more about coin singing rooms here!
Have you gotten a job based on a personality test? Like zodiac signs and blood type, MBTI types are a growing fad in Korea to learn more about a person without asking questions. Read more to find out how MBTI types are impacting people’s lives.
Think of your favorite presents to get growing up. They probably weren’t stocks and bonds. Korea’s Chuseok is a gift giving holiday that has experienced a staggering amount of growth since the 1970’s. Learn more about the different gift giving trends throughout the years.
Take fashion to the next level with the new matching trend. Couples are now not only planning their dates, but their outfits together for a more personalized look. What do you think about this trend? Would you try it yourself with your friends or significant other?
You can now be in your own kpop music video with this Seoul studio. HiKR is a studio that has rooms dedicated to recreating some of the most popular kpop music video backgrounds where visitors can make their own content. Read more about what artists are featured here.
LG continues to be a pioneer in AI and robots in the workplace with robots taking over tasks too dangerous for humans or helping to make the worker’s jobs easier. However, there has been some pushback on if the robots will eventually take people’s jobs. Read more about the latest findings here.
Problems at work? Talk about it online! Blind is a South Korean-born messaging app where users can anonymously speak about problems and concerns they have without worrying about facing repercussions from management. Learn more about how this app is positioning itself for the US market
Take a train to Busan to see the city’s new art showcase. Based on the natural beauty of Busan, artists from all over will be taking part in this event to celebrate the city. Find out how these artists combine architecture with art in this article!
Drones over fireworks? Technology has taken over many aspects of life that were once done without, and now fireworks are the next target. Learn more about how drone shows might just be the next big thing.
From a forgotten town to a popular place for events, Seongsu-dong has seen a boom in tourism recently. Is this newfound popularity helping or hurting the local businesses? Read more here!
Korean cuisine finds a new audience in Qatar’s Korean Fermented Food Festival. Kimchi and gochujang will be showcased in this cultural exchange of culinary traditions where people can taste, learn, and enjoy all about Korea’s delicious offerings.
The sweet and spicy glaze is enhanced by the flavor from the grill to create a rustic yet elegant chicken dish.
5G communication will be driving on the streets of Korea through Hyundai Mobis’ new initiative. These new cars are a part of motor innovations being handled throughout Korea. Read about the new car features in this article.
This snack is bright, fresh, and easy to make. It can be a snack to serve your friends over cocktails or an acidic treat to activate your taste buds at the beginning of the meal.
Fighting an international chip shortage has led to innovation on all fronts. Korea began their own initiatives by partnering with UK based Arm chip designers. Read about their deal and what it means today.
Two masterclass poets join together to disuss their interpretations of life and love. Read about Kim Hye-soon and Don Mee Choi’s shared experiences and reflections here.
This salad is super easy to make. It only requires a few ingredients and just a little bit of knife work.
Single-person households are projected to be the new normal for individuals looking for housing by 2040. Read more about what this means for younger generations adjusting to the growing body of statistics.
Internationally renowned art comes together for two of the biggest art fairs in Korea, Frieze Seoul and Korean International Art Fair. At these exhibits, visitors will be able to see the works of Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and many more. Learn about the exhibits here.
Perfume culture is another item in an ever-growing list of ways for people to express themselves. Korea has capitalized on this trend with “perfume workshops” that allow people to customize their own scent. Learn more about the custom perfume process here.
Korean artist Park Dae-sung's new exhibition, Ink and Soul, has been sweeping the international art community. Check out the traditional ink style reinvented here.
Ramen, ramyeon, and ramyun – what’s the difference? instant noodles are a favorite comfort food across the world, and exports of instant noodles from South Korea are on the rise. Learn the history of the snack we have all come to love.
Alarming studies have shown a decrease in the amount of sleep Korean workers are getting. Not only is this harmful for their health, but for the overall productivity of Korea. Learn why people are trading sleep for work in this article.
Chanel has never officially produced a full menswear collection, but G-Dragon's daring look has proved that Chanel is not limited to a single gender. Learn more about how Korean fashion designers are changing the game!
With lessening restrictions and an increase in cultural interest, Korea has greatly benefited from the excitement of people to travel internationally. Read more about how Korea is staying afloat with a recent wave of tourists.
Spice Up your Hot Dogs with a Korean Twist
Webtoons are the movies of the future according to Korean tech company CJ 4DPLEX. With innovations in the 4D movie experience, the Korean company wants to introduce a lower cost alternative to the action-packed movies that viewers can already see. Learn more about the future of Korean cinema here!
Ryu Sung-sil's 'The Burning Love Song' lays bare primal desire for wealth prevalent in Korea's neoliberal market economy. The artist saw that such an obsession with an elite upbringing and wealth could speak to one aspect of Korea's particular economic sensibilities, as the country's rapid growth brought equally swift changes to people's financial statuses. Read more to discover how art informs the Korean social discourse.
Buckwheat noodles is a summertime staples in Korea. When the scorching weather makes you lose your appetite, it is hard to resist the slurpable noodles that can be served either hot or cold. Known for their unique texture, buckwheat noodle lovers seek dishes that ditch the heat for added flavor. Read here to discover the interesting ingredient and a recipe to add into the mix!
Incense burning has been practiced in Korea for centuries. In the 8th to 14th centuries, incense burning was an essential part of Buddhist rituals. As early as the start of this century, incense was primarily used only for special or ceremonial occasions. Today, it is used for meditation, yoga or “mung” (the Korean word for a trance-like state) sessions. Discover more here.
Seo In-ji talks working for musicians around the world, creating her own style. Seoul-based illustrator and animator Seo In-ji has worked for the likes of Girls’ Generation, Red Velvet and NCT Dream. The Korean artist based in the UK brings a global perspective to her work with non-traditional elements like voluptuous women, cute in bright colors, and having fun. What does her more boy accepting art mean for the SK art scene future as a whole? Read along here.
Insider spoke to seven South Korean tattoo artists about the paradox at the core of their profession, as they build up social-media presences to attract customers but hide their workshops in basements to avoid drawing the scrutiny of the law. South Korean tattoo artist Ilwol Hongdam has inked close to 4,000 people in the last 10 years, many of whom flew into Seoul just to see him. Read more about the controversial body art here.
Clothing is an extension of our self-image. It helps define who we are and where we have been. South Korea Hanbok, have evolved into various styles throughout history. Although once only used traditionally Hanbok continues to influence modern style and art. Learn more about the traditional garb, and it's intrinsic link to Korean culture and couture here.
In Korea and other regions of Asia, bamboo is cooked and eaten regularly.
Eaten at the beginning of summer, bamboo shoots have many health and wellness benefits to the body. Such as a slow down the aging process, prevention of constipation and hypertension, and assists in detoxifying the body. Read more for a recipe to add Bamboo shoots to your menu routine!